concrete block construction

Hiram Public Library // 1915

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Located on a slight rise above Main Street and across from the sprawling Hiram Village Cemetery, this one-story library with walls of textured concrete blocks was dedicated in August of 1915 and has been a center for cultural activities in the town of Hiram, Maine, since that time. The Soldier’s Memorial Library was built with funds provided largely by Virginia Barker Jordan, a granddaughter of local businessman Benjamin Barker. Also instrumental in organizing Hiram’s first free public library was Llewellyn A. Wadsworth, local poet and cousin of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Beyond the unique use of concrete block construction for a library, other interesting exterior architectural features include the wide-flaring eaves with exposed rafters and the bands of windows on the first story walls, which hint of the Arts and Crafts/Bungalow styles. The library building was designed by Boston architects Robert Wambolt and Amos A. Lawrence.

Cote Block // c.1910

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The population of Sprague, Connecticut nearly doubled between 1900 and 1910 from 1,300 to 2,500. As a result, the town needed a new town hall and commercial buildings to service the new residents. A member of the Cote Family in Sprague took this as a good opportunity to erect this three-story mixed-use building on Main Street, renting out space for retail, a confectioner, and a clubhouse with residences above. The building is constructed of concrete block, a building material that surged in popularity after concrete block machines allowed these blocks to be manufactured quickly off molds of uniform style and dimension. The building also features inset center and corner porches off the street and a projecting cornice. The storefronts have since been enclosed, but the building remains one of the finest in town (even with its original windows!)